Lyneham County Infants School

6th September 1965 - The new Lyneham County Infants school opened. It consists of ten classes, seven in the main building, three in the nearby Pratten hut. Owing to the immense amount of unpacking etc to be done, County agreed that the children should commence a day later.

Ten staff were present:
Miss M Williams, Miss M. Burden, Mrs E Card, Mrs P Hall, Mrs MM Shanks, Mrs MI Trapnell, Mrs H Botwright, Miss M Gaisford, Miss K Edwards, Mrs E Pilcher-Clayton. Headmistress - Miss Vicky F Parr.
In addition a clerical assistant Mrs H Scarlett, and a Welfare Assistant Mrs Edwards commence their duties. Mr G Randal Equipment Officer visited.

When the Infant School opened they took on a Deputy Caretaker who was mainly responsible for the new school but answerable to Mr Roger Hughes who had been Caretaker of The Lyneham County School since 1953.  His name was Ken Weston.  He only lasted a few months and when he left the school decided not replace him so Mr Hughes ended up being in charge fully of both schools, which remained until he retired. 

7th September 1965 - Children commenced school, 53 new children were enrolled. Approximate number on roll: - 235. (It was difficult to make a definitive counting as it hasn't yet been ascertained whether absentees are on leave or have left the district due to forces parents posting. The new kitchen was in operation and meals were served for 120 children in two sittings.

20th September 1965 - Mrs LR Gregory commenced work on the permanent staff to replace Mrs H Botwright (Supply teacher) Wing Commander White Spunner station Roman Catholic Padre visited.

1st November 1965 - School re-opened after half-term, Twenty new entrants were enrolled plus 2 children in older age group. 255 on roll.

16th December 1965 - First performance of Christmas Concert for mothers with young children. Number on roll 260.

31st January 1966 - Mrs Creig commenced duty as replacement for Mrs Edwards Welfare Assistant. Number on roll 302.

28th February 1966 - New assistant caretaker Mr Millar appointed, started work 14th March 1966, joining Mr Hughes on care taking duties. Mrs Gough commenced as supervisor in place of Mrs J Smith (cleaner).

7th March 1966 - Mr J Randall Architect visited on occasion of school handover of building from contractors.

25th April 1966 - School commenced for Summer Term number on roll 337 - 35 children started school. Mrs B Gough commenced as supply teacher in place of Mrs L Gregory. Mrs RA Merrill commenced duty as MDSA in place of Mrs Gough.

13th May 1966 - Mrs Jones is Deputy Headmistress. Mrs Foley Cook in Charge of kitchens

29th June 1966 - Miss EL Cleator notified to commence teaching duties on a permanent basis in September 1966. Notified Bradenstoke County Education Primary School will close at end of summer term., all children to be transferred to Lyneham school.

6th September 1966 - Autumn Term commenced 78 children enrolled. Approximate number on roll 276. Five new teachers commenced duty replacing teachers: Mrs ME Jones, Mrs E Lockett, Miss M Mann, Miss L Miles, Miss EL Cleator. Previous teachers still on the staff roll: Miss MI Jones, Miss M Williams, Mrs NM Shanks, Mrs K Maynard, Miss M Burden. Mrs MI Trapnel on 9/10th establishment.

3rd October 1966 - Official Opening and Dedication of the School took place at 2.30pm. Ceremony performed by the Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force Group Captain William, Chairman of the Education Committee was in chair. Votes of thanks were proposed by Mr Gaisford, Chairman of Managers and the Headmistress. About 66 children were present and concluded the ceremony by singing two songs, they were trained by Mrs MI Trapnell. The pianist was Mrs ME Jones. Floral arrangements were done by members of the staff. The commemoration cake was made by Mrs EM Hall, was cut by Mrs Hazelwood, wife of the station commander. Photographs were taken by Wiltshire Newspapers. Guests included Mr J Bradley, Chief Education Officer, Group Captain and Mrs Hazelwood, Group Captain Willcox, Command Education Officer. Members of County Hall Staff, The School Managers and parents and friends.

20th October 1966 - Mrs Ashton appointed assistant teacher in place of Mrs Maynard who will be leaving at the end of term.

10th April 1967 - School re-opened after the Easter break, 48 new children enrolled. One new teacher Miss Coupland commenced duty. A new class was formed, K11, and this was accommodated as a temporary measure in one of the Junior School Pratten Huts until the new mobile classroom arrived. Number on roll 360.

17th April 1967 - A crossing warden commenced duties Mrs A Jones.

5th September 1967 - Autumn Term commenced, 85 new children enrolled, number on roll 298. The following new members of staff took up their duties: Miss S Dunwall, Miss K Murray, Miss J Griffiths, Mrs L Hook.

8th January 1968 - Spring Term commenced, Mrs Tilling started work in place of Mrs R Johnston. 53 new children enrolled. Number on the school nominal roll was 354.

30th April 1968 - Summer Term commenced, Mrs P Jones commenced teaching in charge of Class I9. 49 new children admitted. Number on roll 412

9th September 1968 - Autumn Term commenced, 92 Children admitted No on Roll 362. Two new teachers commenced: Mrs G George, Miss J Bradley. Mrs W Haddon started as Welfare Assistant.

6th January 1969 - Spring term commenced, Mrs CE Stubbs started as supply teacher, Miss C Williams in temporarily until her successor appointed. 45 new children admitted. Mrs C Williams left.

19th December 1969 - End of Autumn Term, school closes for Christmas. Three teachers Mrs PA Jones, Miss Murray and Miss Harris left for other appointments. Mrs Tilling who left the permanent staff, will return on a supply basis, for the Spring Term until Miss Angent is released by Swindon Education Authority.

6th January 1970 - Spring Term Commenced. Three new teachers commenced Mrs S King, Mrs Erskine and Mrs Wightman. 34 new entrants admitted.

8th April 1970 - Summer Term commenced , Six new children admitted. One new member of staff Miss IM Argent vice Mrs J Jones.

2nd September 1970 - Autumn Term commenced. Three new teachers commenced; Mrs S O'Sullivan, Mrs P Capper, and Mrs R Hall. Nominal roll appeared to be low as the new RAF squadrons do not appear to have arrived on the station.

19th April 1971 - Summer Term commenced. Mrs Colbourne replaced Mrs Wightman. 14 additional children admitted.

6th September 1971 - Autumn Term commenced. Three new members of staff joined the school; Mrs M Morris, Mrs A Holt, Mrs M Gray (3/5th) The school is organised into 11 classes until a new member of staff is appointed (Miss R Cogar started 12th October). 12 new children admitted. School classrooms are being repainted.

7th January 1972 - Miss Parr, headmistress, had a meeting with Mr Antony W Phillips, Junior school headmaster to discuss arrangements to be made while new school kitchen is being built.

5th September 1972 - Autumn Term commenced. New staff commenced Mrs CH Smith, Mrs P Washbown, Mrs R Taylor and Mrs D Webb. 38 New children admitted.

30th October 1972 - School reopened after half term break, Mrs JS Barrow commenced vice Mrs G Erskine.

13th February 1973 - County Land agents started to dig foundations for new Infant School playground.

28th February 1973 - While caretaker Mr Hughes was putting rubbish into boiler, it blew back into his face causing severe scorching. Accident forms filed and Mr Hughes visited doctor next day. He was laid off work until the 5th March.

5th September 1973 - Autumn Term Commenced. New teachers commenced Mrs Mayne vice Mrs Capper, Mrs Lowe vice Mrs Bates. 52 children admitted.

11th December 1973 - Nativity Services held, a very large audience noted. Mr and Mrs Gaisford, Mrs Yeo and Mrs Webb represented the Managers also station Padre Kenwood attended. A collection of £18.10 was taken.

12th November 1975 - Miss Parr and Mrs O'Sullivan attended the funeral of Mr W. Cook at St Michael and All Angel's Church Lyneham. Mr Cook was the owner of Cook's Coaches in Chippenham Road Lyneham.

1st September 1977 - Autumn Term commenced. New Deputy Headmistress Miss A Doyle commenced. 70 new children admitted into three reception classes.

24th November 1977 - Bazaar held after school. The sum of £138.85 was raised. £20 was sent to the Silver Jubilee Appeal.

5th January 1978 - Spring Term Commenced. Two new members of staff joined the school; Mrs J Gilbert vice Miss EL Cleater (retired) and Mrs O Harris vice Mrs P Washbourn (returned 8th January 1979 after her husband returned to the airbase after a years tour in America). Admitted 40 under fives and 6 older children. Number on roll 308.

18th May 1978 - Lyneham Infants School children lined the road between the station main gates and the guardroom for the arrival of HRH Princess Anne.

1st September 1978 - Autumn Term commenced. Mrs Gray commenced work vice Mrs Mayne. 60 new entrants plus 13 children transferred from other schools.

4th September 1979 - Autumn Term commenced. Staff allocations: Mrs Smith H8, Mrs Shanks I9, Mrs Webb J10, Mrs Gilbert F2, Mrs O'Sullivan E3, Miss Taylor D4, Mrs Washbown G1, Mrs Glenton B6, Miss Doyle groups in A7. 62 new children admitted. Number on roll 233.

30th September 1980 - Interviews for new headship six candidates. Mrs Geraldine Simonds from Haydon Wick appointed.

12th December 1980 - A reception was held in the school to say farewell to Miss Parr. Presentations were made by the Governors, Teaching Staff of both schools, Parents and Ancillary Staff.

12th January 1981 - Spring Term commenced. Mrs Simonds took up office as new headmistress.

30th January 1981 - Mr R Huntingford was appointed as temporary caretaker as Mr Hughes was unable to continue. Mr Hughes was presented with a cheque for £40 a retirement gift from the Infant School.

13th October 1981 - Caretaker Interviews took place, six candidates were interviewed Mr Richard Huntingford who has been temporary caretaker since January was appoint as a permanent caretaker. Interviews were conducted by Mr Phillips, Mrs Simonds, Mr Hancock and Mr Potter.

11th January 1982 - Spring Term was due to commence, but owing to heavy snowfalls the school remained closed for two days because of severe drifting at the entrance doors. Even when the school opened snow was still causing problems in the playgrounds and paths. Number on roll 258 children.

14th November 1982 - Lyneham Infants school was notified that Mr Tony Phillips, headmaster of Lyneham Junior School died very suddenly following a massive heart attack. The school staff were deeply saddened by the loss of such a splendid colleague. The school was closed on the 18th November to allow staff to attend Mr Phillips' funeral service at St Michael and All Angels Church Lyneham. He was cremated at Bath and his ashes were returned to Lyneham.

11th April 1983 - Summer Term commenced. Mr David Sibun started as the new headmaster of Lyneham Junior School. Number of children on Infant School roll 200.

13th April 1983 - HRH Princess Margaret visited RAF Lyneham and both schools went along to see her at the station.

12th April 1984 - End of Term Service and Presentation to Mrs Smith who officially retires after long absence. Miss Shelley Keen joined Lyneham Infant School after returning to the UK from sunny Cyprus. Her parents were posted back to RAF Lyneham and lived in Melsome Road. Shelley, later joined BBC local radio and has a notable accolade as Lyneham Lanes Junior Ten Pin Bowling Champion before leaving school into broadcasting. Shelley has been a popular favourite on BBC Radio Swindon and BBC Radio Wiltshire for quite a few years.

22nd June 1984 - A party of 25 top infants left for Oxenwood with Miss Taylor and Mrs Glenton. Helpers were Tony Simonds, Lisa Simonds and Bernadette Britton. It was noted that Lyneham Infant school was the first Infant school to visit the centre for an overnight stay. They returned on 24th June 1984.

20th July 1984 - Farewell assembly for Mrs Glenton at the School Hall, she will be replaced by a newly appointed Miss Jane Ollive in the Autumn Term. The staff on the roll at the start of the Autumn Term 1984 were Mrs Barter (1), Miss Anne Doyle (2), Mrs O'Sullivan (3), Mrs Gilbert (4), Miss Ollive (5), Mrs Gray (6), Miss Taylor (7). Class numbers in brackets. Mrs R Menham was employed part-time.

6th June 1985 - Mr Huntingford leaving his post as School Caretaker - a farewell was arranged in the Lyneham Junior School. The Infant School staff sang to him " A Caretakers lot is not a happy one"!!!

1st July 1985 - Mr Heatley was successful in his interview to fill the vacant post of School Caretaker.

25th November 1986 - RAF Lyneham padre Daly judged poster competition Terry Higham won 1st Prize, Charlotte Smith 2nd, and Ian 3rd and David Plunkett was given a prize for effort. Winners of the Poster Competition took their posters to display in Mr Potters Butchers Shop.

5th February 1988 - Comic Relief Day. To collect money for the starving families in Ethiopia all children were encouraged to dress as clowns for the day and pay a small donation for this fund. Class 8 did a wonderful assembly on clowns and parents attended. £200 was raised to send to Comic Relief. The Staff joined in too, dressing up as clowns.

12th February 1988 - Val Biro and 'Gumdrop' visited the Infants school during School Book Week.

8th December 1989 - Lyneham Infants school received the sad news that Mr F Potter Governor to the School for many years passed away.

20th March 1990 - Miss Anne Doyle announces she will be taking early retirement and will become Euchumenical Secretary for the Council of Churches in Wiltshire. Mrs Caroline Parkinson was appointed as the new Deputy Head teacher. A farewell evening was organised on the 18th July so current and past teachers could express their thanks for her 13 years as Deputy Head to the School.

17th May 1990 - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited RAF Lyneham to attend a Dedication Service in St Michael and All Angels Church Lyneham. The service was to dedicate a stained glass window in the church to commemorate Lyneham's 50 years presence at the Wiltshire airbase. On a lovely sunny day, children attended the service and Mrs Simonds spoke to the Queen and some of the children did too.

2nd September 1992 - Autumn Term commences, letter sent to all parents notifying that Mrs Geraldine Simonds has been suspended from the post of Headmistress while an investigation is carried out. Mrs C Parkinson will fulfil the duties while the investigation takes place. Evening Advertiser article more

10th December 1992 - Mrs G Simonds resigned as Head teacher of Lyneham Infants School.

4th January 1993. - Spring Term commences. Mrs Crouch takes over Mrs Parkinson's class while she take post of headmistress

17th March 1993 - New parents group set up FOLIS (Friends of Lyneham Infants School) initial meeting held at school.

22nd March 1993 - New Caretaker interviews take place Mr Martin Wyeth appointed.

27th April 1993 - Headship interviews took place, Mrs Cathy Stanford, Deputy Head at Oliver Thompkins School, Swindon was appointed as new Lyneham Infant School Head Teacher. Mrs Stanford started her first day in charge 1st September 1993. The children started in eight classes. Number on roll was 208.

5th October 1993 - Harvest Festival was held in St Michael's Church. The children enjoyed the singing. The church was packed with parents and friends. The produce brought in by children was then sold to parents and raised £70, which was donated to "Bread for Bosnia" a charity which funds a mobile bakery.

15th October 1993 - Mrs Stanford and Mrs Wylie interviewed four candidates for the post of MDSA. Mrs Jane Daykin was appointed, and the others agreed to be relief MDSA's.

21st December 1993 - A retirement party was held for Mrs Sheila O'Sullivan, who had been at the school since 1970. Many colleagues both past and present attended, as well as members of the O'Sullivan family. Next day the children presented Mrs O'Sullivan with gifts and a card from each class.

6th January 1994 - Spring Term commenced. A new class was formed with Year 1 children from Classes 3,4 and 5 and Year 2 children from Classes 6,7 and 8. The new teacher is Mrs Laura Crouch. This reorganisation has reduced the number in the the Year 2 classes to a more acceptable level. Mrs jane Jones started as teacher for Class 4, replacing Mrs O'Sullivan. The school is organised into 9 classes; Class 1 - Miss Jane Ollive (Year 1) , Class 2 - Mrs Rochelle Jenkins (Year 1), Class 3 - Mrs Caroline Parkinson (Year 1 reception), Class 4 - Mrs Jane Jones (Year 1 reception), Class 5 - Miss Ross Taylor (Year 1 reception), Class 6 - Mrs Sarah Tedds (Year 2), Class 7 - Mrs June Gilbert (Year 2), Class 8 - Mrs Jenny Barter (Year 2), Class 9 - Mrs Laura Crouch (Year 1/2)

20th January 1994 - Census Day 236 children on roll (compared with 213 twelve months earlier)

11th April 1994 - School re-opened after the Easter Holidays with 272 children on role. Mrs Judith Chapman joined the teaching staff as class teacher for the newly formed Class 10.

6th September 1994 - Autumn Term commenced. Children on roll 203, organised into eight classes; Class 1 - Mrs Judith Chapman, Class 2 - Mrs Sarah Tedds, Class 3 - Mrs Jenny Barter, Class 4 - Mrs Laura Crouch, Class 5 - Miss Ross Taylor, Class 6 - Mrs Rochelle Jenkins, Class 7 - Mrs Jane Ball, Class 8 - Mrs Caroline Parkinson. Miss Jane Ollive no class teaching responsibility this term, she takes new reception class after Christmas.

4th January 1995 - Spring Term commenced. Mrs Becky Sims joined the staff teaching Class 2. Miss Jane Ollive has new Reception Class 9. 336 children on roll.

4th September 1995 - Autumn Term commenced. Miss Alex Woodgate Jones joined the staff to class teacher in Class 5. There were 192 on roll organised into eight classes.

3rd September 1996 - Autumn Term commenced. There were 222 children on school nominal roll. A summer holiday break allowed Miss Ollive and Mrs Heatie to get married. Their names were changed to Mrs Gedge and Mrs Gleed respectively. The classrooms in the Pratton Huts were re-painted to freshen them up and lighten the rooms. There were eight classes organised into four older classes and four younger classes. The younger classes were smaller in size, so the reception children were able to join the classes at Easter. Twenty-seven children joined the school. Teachers were; Mrs Ball, Miss Sims, Mrs Gedge, Mrs Parkinson, Ms Woodgate-Jones, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Couch, Mrs Chapman. Mrs Matthews continued to teaches 0.4 days a week.

30th September 1996 - Mrs Jenny Barter has a small function at Mrs Ball's house in Lyneham to commemorate her forth coming retirement and to celebrate the years of service she has given to the school. She was presented a garden bench and she presented the school with books.

7th April 1997 - Mrs Standford and Mrs Sibun Head's for both the Lyneham Infant and Junior School's, attended the Official Opening of the HIVE on the RAF base. It was being run by Mrs Jones, who has children in both schools.